updated 04:35 pm EST, Tue November 11, 2008

Samsung Bluetooth devices

Samsung on Tuesday announced the upcoming release of four new Bluetooth accessories. The first of the new devices, the WEP460 mono headset, is a basic wireless device that provides up to eight hours of talk time. Available in a black finish, the WEP640 sports a clear ear hook that is detachable. The next device up, the Samsung SBH700, is a stereo Bluetooth headset that doubles as a pair of music headphones thanks to a foldable, behind-the-neck design. The SBH700 has noise reduction technology for clear sound delivery.

For drivers, Samsung offers the HKT400 and HKT450 Bluetooth speakerphones, that plug into a car's DC power point. The HKT400 features an adjustable neck to position the microphone and speaker toward the driver. It supports Bluetooth profile 1.2, and includes noise reduction and echo cancelation features for greater sound clarity.

The HKT450 offers more features, starting with Bluetooth 2.0 stereo support, allowing it to stream music from compatible devices, provide turn-by-turn spoken directions from GPS-enabled phones and personal GPS devices, as well as speak out the caller ID from phones that support it. The streaming music is interrupted when calls come in, and is brought back to previous settings once the call is completed. A privacy mode lets users switch the unit to work as a Bluetooth handset instead of a speakerphone. Battery life is rated at eight hours of talk time. It also comes with a unique design and a choice of power plugs that allow it to work not only in cars, but also at home and in the office thanks to DC and USB power ports, respectively. The HKT450 will switch off when the Bluetooth link is lost to conserve battery life.

All four new Bluetooth accessories are available now, with the WEP460 priced at about $40, and the SBH700 stereo headset at $100. Although no official pricing has been announced for the HKT400, it is expected to be in the $70 range. Likewise, the HKT450 is expected to cost about $80.